Adebayor’s 65th-minute winner lifted Spurs above the Toffees into fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. But the biggest reception was reserved for Defoe, who was lifted shoulder-high by his team-mates after the final whistle.

Boss Tim Sherwood said of the 31-year-old : "If he got 10 standing ovations it wouldn’t be enough. He’s been a legend at this club. If I was him I’d still be out there milking it now. He’s far from finished – unless he ain’t told me!"